Zimbabwe Considers Shifting Gaming Regulator to Sports Ministry in Revenue Reform Proposal

Zimbabwe is considering a major restructuring of its gambling regulatory framework, with a parliamentary committee proposing that the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB) be transferred to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. The proposal also seeks to introduce a mandatory allocation of gaming revenue towards sports development, including investment in sporting infrastructure and recreational facilities.

The recommendation was presented by Farai Jere, Chairperson of Parliament’s Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee, during Zimbabwe’s 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo. The proposal has attracted support from the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, although Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe has challenged the proposed transfer.

Under the proposed changes, responsibility for administering the country’s lotteries and gaming legislation, together with oversight of the LGB, would move from the Home Affairs Ministry to the Sports Ministry. The committee is also advocating for a legally defined percentage of gaming proceeds, including revenue generated through gambling taxes, to be channelled into sports development programmes.

Jere argued that the relationship between sports and the betting industry makes a stronger connection between gaming revenue and sports financing necessary. He pointed out that sports betting operators rely heavily on sporting competitions and events, yet many sports organisations and development programmes continue to experience financial difficulties.

The debate comes amid changes to Zimbabwe’s sports betting taxation framework. A 10% tax on punters’ gross winnings was introduced in January 2025 before being increased to 25% from January 1, 2026. The committee believes that directing a statutory portion of gaming-related revenue towards sports could provide a more sustainable funding mechanism for the country’s sporting sector.

Jere further emphasised that any proposed restructuring would require appropriate legislative and administrative procedures. He called for transparent revenue collection mechanisms, clearly defined funding arrangements and accountability systems to ensure that resources allocated to sports reach their intended beneficiaries.

The proposal received backing from Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, who agreed with Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe that the lotteries and gaming regulatory institution should operate under the Sports Ministry. Mudenda argued that placing the sector within the ministry responsible for overseeing sporting activities would reflect international regulatory practices.

However, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe expressed reservations, defending the current administration of the Lotteries and Gaming Board. He maintained that the institution’s improved performance was largely the result of stronger leadership and management rather than a change in its financial or ministerial structure. Kazembe also indicated that the Board could support the Sports Ministry financially without necessarily being transferred to its jurisdiction.

The discussions build on growing calls within Zimbabwe’s government to use gambling revenue to strengthen grassroots sports. On October 7, 2026, Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo urged authorities to channel betting proceeds towards sports infrastructure and athlete development during the Kuzana Sport and Creative Economy Expo in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe already has a legal framework that recognises the potential contribution of gaming revenue to sports development. The country’s Lotteries and Gaming Act provides for a Lotteries and Gaming Fund, which includes financing approved sporting and recreational activities through the Sports and Recreation Commission. However, the latest parliamentary proposal seeks to go further by establishing a mandatory statutory allocation of gaming revenue to the sector.

If adopted, the proposed reforms could reshape Zimbabwe’s gaming regulatory structure while creating a more direct funding relationship between the betting industry and national sports development. The debate now centres on whether transferring the LGB to the Sports Ministry would deliver better oversight and funding outcomes or whether the existing regulatory arrangement should remain in place.